A. Description of the elements of the proposed project cook inlet region, INC. (ciri) is requesting $2,499,452.00 in emdp funding to conduct phase 3 of the farewell mineral exploration program

Cook Inlet Region Inc. (CIRI) received a $2.5 million project grant awarded September 22, 2025, under the Minerals and Mining on Indian Lands program (CFDA 15.038) administered by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs. The grant funds Phase 3 of the Farewell Mineral Exploration Program, a mineral exploration initiative focused on evaluating copper, zinc, and silver resource potential on Alaska Native-owned lands. The primary deliverables include conducting a targeted diamond drilling campaign at the Midway Prospect, performing core logging and assay analysis, interpreting subsurface geologic data, and developing technical reports and marketing materials to support future investment decisions. The project, scheduled for completion by September 21, 2027, will generate the subsurface geological and geochemical data necessary to evaluate the economic viability of the buried porphyry copper system identified during previous exploration phases.

The Energy and Mineral Development Program grant supports CIRI's technical assessment work to advance domestic critical mineral resource development and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign mineral imports. As a federally recognized Alaska Native Corporation, CIRI is eligible for this technical assistance funding, which enables tribes and tribal energy development organizations to conduct comprehensive pre-development evaluations. Pending budget availability and positive initial drilling results, the project may also include reconnaissance-level drilling at a secondary target area (6120 Target) to further expand the resource assessment.

This phase will focus on a targeted diamond drilling campaign at the midway prospect, a high-priority area identified in earlier phases through geologic mapping, surface sampling, and geophysical analysis. The project will include field mobilization, drilling, core logging and analysis, data interpretation, and the development of technical reports and marketing materials. If initial drilling results and budget allow, a reconnaissance-level drill test may also be conducted at the secondary 6120 target.b. Need for the project the united states faces a growing need for secure, domestic sources of critical minerals such as copper, zinc, and silverkey targets of the farewell mineral exploration project. These minerals are essential to energy infrastructure, defense, and clean technology, yet the U.S. Remains heavily dependent on foreign imports. Federal agencies have prioritized efforts to reduce this dependence by identifying and developing reliable domestic sources. The farewell project presents a timely opportunity to contribute to that goal. Located on alaska native-owned land, the project targets mineralized zones with geophysical and geochemical signatures consistent with a buried porphyry copper system. Previous work funded through emdp phases 1 and 2 confirmed high-grade surface mineralization and defined compelling subsurface targets. However, without drilling, the economic potential cannot be confirmed. Emdp phase 3 will conduct the first drill testing at farewell, generating the core and assay data needed to evaluate subsurface mineralization, build a geologic model, and prepare the project for future investment. If successful, farewell could help strengthen the U.S. Critical mineral supply chain while creating long-term economic benefits for alaska native shareholders through ancsa revenue sharing, employment, and partnership opportunities.federal support through the emdp program is essential to advance this work. Early-phase drilling is high-risk and cost-prohibitive to fund solely with internal resources. Emdp funding enables ciri to move the project forward responsibly while aligning with national priorities for secure, domestic resource development.c. Description of the objectives the objectives of the project are to: complete initial drill testing at the midway prospect to confirm the presence, style, and grade of mineralization analyze drill core, assay results, and swir data to refine the geologic model identify potential zones for resource delineation develop technical and marketing materials to attract a development partner or lessee.d. Anticipated outcomes that will result if the project were to be funded if funded, the project will result in valuable subsurface data to support a preliminary technical evaluation of the farewell prospect. Drill results will validate the resource potential and allow ciri to engage prospective partners. Long-term outcomes include economic benefits to ciri shareholders and all alaska native shareholders through ancsa section 7(i) revenue sharing, job creation with preference for alaska natives, and contributions to the domestic supply of critical minerals like copper and zinc.e. Total amount of funding requested ciri is requesting $2,499,452.00 in emdp funding for phase 3 of the farewell mineral exploration program.f. Designated tribal project lead authorized to make decisions on the day-to-day grant activities the designated tribal project lead is chaitanya chait borade, principal, land resources at ciri. MR. Borade has led the project throughout phase 1 and phase 2 and will serve as the day-to-day project manager for phase 3.